Law Office of Caroline R. Suissa-Edmiston, LL.M., LLC
Affordable Expert Estate Planning
Probate: "De-Myth-tified"
Phone Number:
206-850-5461
Mailing Address:
PO Box 8038
Tacoma, WA 98419
Internet Based Fax:
253-397-3088
Direct Email:
Myth: Estate Planning is Expensive, and only for people with a lot of money
Truth: Estate planning is for everyone.
While you are alive, it determines who can make decisions for you on your behalf when you cannot
Determines how to distribute your assets
Determines how to pay your outstanding debts
Protects your minor children by appointing a guardian
Protects your adult children by watching to make sure they follow your wishes
Myth: Without a Will, the state takes my assets
Truth: If you do not make a Will, the law will look for your blood relatives for 8 generations, stopping at the first level of relative that it finds.
Truth: Without a will, you will not have any say over who will get your assets other than your relatives. If you want to make any charitable donations you have to put it in writing.
Myth: Probate is Long and Expensive
Truth: Probates vary by States, WA has terrific probate laws.
Truth: In WA probate can be done in 4 months
Truth: In WA probate’s filing fee is $230.
Truth: Probate protects your assets, helps eliminate debt and protects your heirs
Myth: There are clever ways for me to not have to pay my creditors
Truth: It is FRAUD to hide money from your creditors.
Advertised “Asset Protection Trusts” to keep money in the “family” are subject to RICO. The same laws used to take down organized crime.
Truth: The only way to discharge debt is to file bankruptcy or work out a solution with the creditor directly.
The only debt that is forgiven upon your death are Federal Subsidized Student Loans
However, there are legitimate Medicaid Trusts, but you give up control of your money and must maintain a fairly low standard of living
Ok, what documents do I need?
Power of Attorney for Health Care
Gives the power to make decisions on your behalf to someone you trust. Makes a guardianship unnecessary.
Power of Attorney for Finances
Gives the power to make decisions on your behalf to someone you trust.
Advanced Health Care Directive
A document that you fill out about what kind of extraordinary health care you would like in the event that you are unable to communicate in any way and are in a terminal condition
Will or Revocable Living Trust
Documents that distribute your assets after you have passed away.
Nominates a Guardian for Minor Children
